On Saturday, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath highlighted that Uttar Pradesh, with its vast population of 25 crore, is the largest consumer market in India. He pointed out that not only residents of Uttar Pradesh but also large populations from neighboring regions such as Nepal, Bhutan, Bihar, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Uttarakhand depend on UP for their needs.

CM Yogi made these comments during a significant Investors’ Meet held in Lucknow, focused on creating a Mega Textile and Apparel Park spanning 1,000 acres along the Lucknow-Hardoi border under the ‘PM MITRA Scheme’ initiated by the Government of India. He stated, “This park will position Uttar Pradesh as a textile hub and is expected to generate over 50,000 new jobs.”

During the event, the Chief Minister distributed an incentive of Rs 210 crore to 80 investors contributing to the state’s textile sector, in alignment with the Uttar Pradesh Textile and Apparel Policy of 2017. Additionally, two Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) worth Rs 700 crore were signed for the PM MITRA Park.

Addressing the investors, CM Yogi expressed confidence that this initiative would significantly enhance the state’s textile industry. He attributed the transformation of Surat in Gujarat into a textile hub to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision, stating that this same vision is now being applied across the country with the establishment of seven PM MITRA Parks, including one in Lucknow. “This is the only PM MITRA Park set to be created in a state capital,” he noted. The Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the 1,000-acre park is currently underway.

Emphasizing the park’s strategic location, CM Yogi mentioned its proximity to Lucknow and its excellent connectivity through a six-lane Outer Ring Road, alongside a proposed four-lane extension from the state government. He highlighted the fundamental necessity of clothing and guaranteed that the park would provide comprehensive facilities for weaving, dyeing, printing, designing, and packaging. “This park is set to meet market demands and unlock limitless opportunities for the textile industry,” he asserted.

During the event, Shri Amar Kulsiyan from Gorakhpur and Shri Rajat Jaipuria from Gautam Buddha Nagar were recognized on stage. The CM reiterated the transparent implementation of policies by stating that funds are directly transferred to the investors through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). “By honoring them publicly, we aim to convey that our policies are not merely announcements but are executed with complete integrity.”

At this Investors’ Meet, notable MoUs worth Rs 700 crore were inked for the PM MITRA Park, with investment proposals totaling Rs 3,800 crore already received under 83 MoUs. CM Yogi revealed that over 1,000 MoUs have been signed, with 225 projects slated for groundbreaking soon, thereby generating investments exceeding Rs 6,000 crore and creating more than 50,000 jobs.

To ensure a smooth process for investors, he highlighted the ‘Nivesh Mitra’ single-window system, which offers over 500 clearances on a single platform, and ‘Nivesh Sarathi’ to oversee MoUs.

The CM discussed Uttar Pradesh’s rich textile heritage, emphasizing, “The older the civilization, the greater the potential for textiles.” He noted the historical significance of cities such as Kashi and Ayodhya as both spiritual and economic centers. He mentioned that regions like Kashi, Bhadohi, and Mirzapur are renowned for silk and carpets, while Varanasi’s sarees are integral to Indian celebrations. Ayodhya and Ambedkar Nagar are prominent for handlooms, and Gorakhpur, Sant Kabir Nagar, Azamgarh, Mubarakpur, and Mau boast a long-standing textile legacy, with Lucknow’s chikankari embroidery being a cherished tradition.

He credited the One District, One Product (ODOP) scheme for revitalizing these traditional industries and announced plans for 10 new textile parks dedicated to Sant Kabir Das and two leather parks in honor of Sant Ravidas. These will complement the PM MITRA Park and further enhance the textile and leather sectors.

The CM also detailed that the PM MITRA Park would be developed in alignment with Prime Minister Modi’s 5F model—Farm to Fibre, Fibre to Factory, Factory to Fashion, and Fashion to Foreign—ensuring a streamlined production-to-export process at one site.

Emphasizing Uttar Pradesh’s excellent connectivity, he pointed out that the state has the highest number of expressways, and upon the completion of the Ganga Expressway, 55% of India’s expressways will be situated in UP. “We have the best railway network in the nation,” he added, noting the operational status of India’s first inland waterway from Varanasi to Haldia. Plans for a dedicated freight corridor and a Greenfield Expressway between Lucknow and Kanpur are also in the works. He assured investors that with an international airport already operational in Lucknow, the outdated notion of UP being landlocked is being addressed through improved access to ports.

Discussing the state’s economic development, the CM expressed pride in Uttar Pradesh’s rapid advancement, stating, “Today, Uttar Pradesh is India’s second-largest economy and aims to become a one-trillion-dollar economy by 2029.” He highlighted that UP contributes 13% to the country’s textile production, ranking third in India and providing employment to over 2 million people. Institutions like NIFT in Raebareli, the Textile Technology Institute in Kanpur, and the Indian Institute of Apparel Technology in Varanasi are enhancing the sector’s growth.

The CM also mentioned the presence of prominent textile companies such as Arvind Mills, TT Group, Ganesha Ecosphere, Bharat Overseas, and NINE operating successfully within the state.

CM Yogi ensured investors of a conducive investment climate in Uttar Pradesh. “Over the last eight years, we have implemented 35 sector-specific policies to guarantee a secure land bank, strong connectivity, and robust legal protection for your investments,” he said, encouraging investors to help establish UP as a textile hub through the PM MITRA Park.

“With a population of 140 crore, why should India lag behind Bangladesh (16 crore) in ready-made garments? We possess world-class training, designing, and packaging facilities,” he remarked. Addressing the investors, CM Yogi expressed confidence that the PM MITRA Park and the forthcoming textile and leather parks will elevate Uttar Pradesh’s status in the textile and apparel landscape. “I welcome all investors and believe that together, we can realize PM Modi’s vision,” he stated, affirming that the Investors’ Meet marks a pivotal step towards positioning UP as a textile hub.